Bemaadizijig Ganoonindwaa: Talking to People

Raising Awareness about FASD with Lynda Banning and Chochi Knott

The Anishinabek Nation Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Program works to increase the general level of awareness and knowledge of community members about FASD, by offering unique culturally based programs and workshops, providing specialized training and resources to build capacity, and political advocacy to broaden the scope of FASD services for First Nations. In this episode, Lynda Banning, Northern Superior FASD Regional Worker, and Chochi Knott, the Southeast/Southwest FASD Regional Worker, describe how FASD is experienced throughout the lifespan; how to access diagnostic services on and off-reserve; and how they help communities reconnect with our Anishinaabe culture and teachings, as a way to heal from intergenerational trauma and take on the shared responsibility of bringing new life into our communities.  Advocacy is important to dispel the stigma around FASD and ensure that all First Nations people and families living with FASD have access to equitable resources they need to be successful and empowered.  This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.Music: Minou-Pimatiswen, by Nigel Irwin and Chippewa Travellers, and I’ve Got Feelings, by Justin Delorme. Licenced by Nagamo publishing. 
Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/j6igwi7aewpi4wik/S02E05_FASD_Awareness_Transcript_FINAL_2025-07-31.pdf
Links and Resources: 
Anishinabek Nation Health Secretariathttps://anishinabek.ca/departments/health-secretariat-2/programs-services/
CanFASD - Canada FASD Research Network https://canfasd.ca/fasd-awareness-month/Ontario Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) programs and serviceshttps://www.ontario.ca/page/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder-fasd-programs-and-services
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Ontario Network of Expertise https://fasdontario.ca/
Anishinabek Nation FASD Program Eventbrite Pagehttps://www.eventbrite.ca/o/anishinabek-nation-fasd-program-91265285083Upcoming FASD Awareness Events: 
August 27, 2025: Bewiidookaagejig - Southwest Regional FASD Gathering, Chippewa of the Thames August 28, 2025: Bewiidookaagejig - Southeast Regional FASD Gathering, Great Blue Heron Casino, Port PerrySeptember 6, 2025: 4th Annual Mahiingan Family Road Race - FASD Awareness, North Bay September 7, 2025: Surrey Place FASD Community Gathering & Move-a-Thon, Toronto September 10, 2025: Simcoe County FASD Prevention Committee FASD Awareness Day, Barrie City HallSeptember 11, 2025: Bewiidookaagejig - Northern Superior Regional FASD Gathering, Superior Inn, Thunder BayOctober 2, 2025: Bewiidookaagejig - Lake Huron Regional FASD Gathering, Grande Event Centre, North Bay

A Journey to Healing with Nokomis Mary Elliott

Nokomis Mary Elliott talks about our journey to healing from the impacts of colonialism and intergenerational trauma as Anishinaabe kwe-wuk, families, and communities. Nokomis Mary is Anishinaabe Kwe from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. She shares her knowledge and wisdom about Anishinaabe traditions and spirituality to organizations across Ontario, including the Anishinabek Nation’s HIV Program. Nokomis Mary believes that we can regain our power and wellbeing as Anishinabek by reconnecting with our culture and ceremonies. Please note that some listeners may be triggered by the recount of Indian Day Schools. To access a 24-hour National Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419.This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.
Music: “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers and “Embracing Beauty” by Justin Delorme. Licenced by Nagamo Publishing. Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/gkp2bvi829a5vdp9/2025-07-07_S2E04_Nokomis_Mary_Elliot_Transcript_FINAL.pdf
Links and Resources: Anishinabek Nation Health Secretariathttps://anishinabek.ca/departments/health-secretariat-2/programs-services/
Indian Day Schools in Canada https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/indian-day-schools-in-canada
Canada’s reckoning with colonialism and education must include Indian Day Schools https://anishinabeknews.ca/2022/07/19/canadas-reckoning-with-colonialism-and-education-must-include-indian-day-schools/
Follow the Anishinabek Nation: https://www.facebook.com/AnishinabekNationhttps://x.com/AnishNationhttps://www.instagram.com/anishinabeknation/https://bsky.app/profile/anishinabeknation.bsky.socialhttps://www.youtube.com/user/AnishinabekNationhttps://bemaadizijigganoonindwaa.podbean.com/

An Anishinaabe perspective on Bill 5

The Ontario Legislature recently passed Bill 5, the “Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act.”  Anishinabek Nation leadership has been strongly opposed to this legislation, as the provincial government intends to move quickly on creating “special economic zones” where mining, infrastructure and energy projects can bypass provincial and municipal laws, posing serious risks to the environment, species, and Indigenous cultural sites. First Nations were not consulted before the bill was drafted. In this episode, we’ll hear what our Anishinabek leadership had to say about Bill 5. How will Bill 5 impact First Nations?  How was this Bill fast-tracked through the Legislature? And what are our next steps going forward? This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.Music: “Brothers,” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers“Following the Rhythm” by Justin Delorme“Over the North” by Shauna Seeteenaklicenced by Nagamo Publishing. Drum groups:  Buffalo Charging, Medicine Lodge Singers. Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/xisd63kumhhsw3c2/S2E03_AN_Bill5_Transcript_FINAL_2025-06-20.pdf
Links and Resources: Protecting Our Lands: A First Nations Response to Bill 5 https://chiefs-of-ontario.org/resources/protecting-our-lands/Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-44/session-1/bill-5Bill C-5, An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Acthttps://www.parl.ca/documentviewer/en/45-1/bill/C-5/first-readingThe Potential Impacts of US Tariffs on the Ontario Economyhttps://fao-on.org/en/report/impacts-of-us-tariffs/Ontario’s Proposed Bill 5 Will be Devastating to Indigenous Rights and Interestshttps://www.oktlaw.com/ontarios-proposed-bill-5-will-be-devastating-to-indigenous-rights-and-interests/Anishinabek Nation calls upon provincial government to halt advancement of Bill 5, engage in meaningful consultation with First Nationshttps://anishinabek.ca/2025/05/13/8870/Follow the Anishinabek Nation: https://www.facebook.com/AnishinabekNationhttps://x.com/AnishNationhttps://www.instagram.com/anishinabeknation/https://bsky.app/profile/anishinabeknation.bsky.socialhttps://www.youtube.com/user/AnishinabekNationhttps://bemaadizijigganoonindwaa.podbean.com/

E’Dbendaagzijig with Dr. Jeannette Corbiere Lavell

Dr. Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, Anishinabek Nation E-niiganwidood E’Dbendaagzijig (Citizenship Commissioner), explains how the Anishinabek Nation is asserting the inherent right to decide who our citizens are. The Anishinabek Nation created a Draft Declaration on E'Dbendaagzijig in 2025, and endorsed our own citizenship law, the E-Dbendaagzijig Naaknigewin in 2009. "E'Dbendaagzijig" is an Anishinaabemowin word that means "Those who belong.”
A longtime advocate for Indigenous women’s rights, Dr. Jeannette Corbiere Lavell shares her memories of the Indigenous youth movement in Toronto in the early 1970s, and her groundbreaking legal challenge of Section 12(1)(b) of the Indian Act, in a case that laid the foundation for changes to the Indian Act in 1985. Despite incremental changes to the Indian Act, the federal government still retains the power to determine who is registered as a "status Indian," and how this status is passed down to future generations. Under the Indian Act's "two-parent rule" or "second-generation cutoff", First Nations are at risk of having significantly fewer members in the years to come.  The E’Dbendaagzijig Naaknigewin, a framework for Anishinabek First Nation citizenship laws, centres on the one-parent rule and is based on the inherent right of self-determination.
Dr. Jeannette Corbiere Lavell urges all Anishinabek citizens to learn more about the Declaration on E'Dbendaagzijig and E-Dbendaagzijig Naaknigewin, as they are important tools to help our Anishinabek First Nations develop their own citizenship laws and ensure that we "bring our members back into our family circle."This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.
Music: “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers, licenced by Nagamo Publishing.“Sisters” by Wolf Saga/Chippewa Travellers/David R. Maracle, licenced by Nagamo Publishing.“Night Stars” by Wolf Saga/Chippewa Travellers/David R. Maracle, licenced by Nagamo Publishing.Transcript: 
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/dk64ipmvrjrfpntr/S2E2_Corbiere_Lavell_Transcript_FINAL_2025-05-28.pdf
Links and Resources: Anishinabek Nation E’Debendaagzijig (Those who belong)https://anishinabek.ca/departments/governanceactivities/edbendaagzijig/
E’Dbendaagzijig declaration drafted at gathering https://anishinabeknews.ca/2025/02/20/edbendaagzijig-declaration-drafted-at-gathering/Anishinabek Nation citizens invited to join dialogue on Anishinabek self-determination and unityhttps://anishinabeknews.ca/2025/03/14/anishinabek-nation-citizens-invited-to-join-dialogue-on-anishinabek-self-determination-and-unity/The Collaborative Process on the Second-Generation Cut-off and Section 10 Voting Thresholds https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1706281094364/1706281216732The Indian Act: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/i-5/FullText.html

E'Dbendaagzijig with SRC Marsha Smoke

Marsha Smoke, Anishinabek Nation Southeast Regional Chief, explains how the Anishinabek Nation is asserting the inherent right to decide who our citizens are. To move this forward, the Anishinabek Nation created a Draft Declaration on E'Dbendaagzijig in 2025, and our own citizenship law, the E-Dbendaagzijig Naaknigewin in 2009. "E'Dbendaagzijig" is an Anishinaabemowin word that means "Those who belong," or "Citizenship."
Since 1876, the Indian Act has been the primary federal law designed to exert power and control over First Nations in Canada. Despite many legal challenges and incremental changes to the Indian Act, the federal government still retains the power to determine who is registered as a "Status Indian," with access to certain rights and benefits, and how this status is passed down to future generations.  Under the Indian Act's "two-parent rule" or "second-generation cutoff", First Nations are at risk of having significantly fewer members in the years to come. 
An ongoing review of the Indian Act purports to seek solutions to make the Indian Act registration and band membership provisions more consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which Canada adopted in 2016.
Southeast Regional Chief Marsha Smoke urges all Anishinabek citizens to learn more about the Declaration on E'Dbendaagzijig and E-Dbendaagzijig Naaknigewin, as they are important tools to help our Anishinabek First Nations develop their own citizenship laws and ensure that we "bring our members back into our family circle."
This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.
Music: “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers. “Rememberance” by Wolf Saga/Chippewa Travellers/David R. Maracle. “Sisters” by Wolf Saga/Chippewa Travellers/David R. Maracle. “Night Stars” by Wolf Saga/Chippewa Travellers/David R. Maracle. All tracks provided by Nagamo Publishing. 
Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/5sb24fvc9cajdt36/S02E01_EDbendaagzijig_SRC_Smoke_Transcript_Final_2025-05-20.pdf
Links and Resources:
Anishinabek Nation E’Debendaagzijig (Those who belong)
https://anishinabek.ca/departments/governanceactivities/edbendaagzijig/
The Collaborative Process on the Second-Generation Cut-off and Section 10 Voting Thresholds https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1706281094364/1706281216732Anishinabek Nation citizens invited to join dialogue on Anishinabek self-determination and unityhttps://anishinabeknews.ca/2025/03/14/anishinabek-nation-citizens-invited-to-join-dialogue-on-anishinabek-self-determination-and-unity/The Indian Act: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/i-5/FullText.html

Moose Management in Unama'ki with Clifford Paul

Clifford Paul, Moose Management Coordinator at the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources (UINR), describes how Mi'kmaq First Nations developed a sustainable moose management plan that balances the exercise of Mi'kmaq jurisdiction and their responsibilities to the land. 
 
Clifford is from Membertou First Nation. He has a BA in Community Studies, and took part in the innovative Integrative Science Program at Cape Breton University. Clifford is a gifted storyteller and communicator, and is the former editor of The Micmac News.
Clifford and his colleagues at UINR are practitioners of Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing), the ability to use two lenses to interpret the world, weaving traditional knowledge and western science.
 
Clifford presented at the Anishinabek Nation Mooz Symposium in September 2024.
This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.
Music: “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers, “For Eddie” by Don Ross, licensed by Nagamo Publishing.
Click here to download the transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/yk8gvcm9seiggwde/Ep22_PAUL_Moose_Transcript_2025-04_07.pdf
Links and Resources:Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources https://www.uinr.ca/Tia’muwe’l Netuklimkewe’l Unama’ki Moose Harvesting According to Netukulimk
https://mikmaqrights.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/MooseGuidelines.pdf
Tiam Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge: Moose in Unama’kihttps://www.uinr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Moose-MEK-web-1.pdf
Tiam This is Our Story Tiam-This-is-our-Story-WEB-1.pdf
Mooz Symposium Part 1: Traditional mooz harvesting and climate change
https://bemaadizijigganoonindwaa.podbean.com/e/mooz-symposium-part-1-traditional-mooz-harvesting-and-climate-change/
Mooz Symposium Part 2: Mooz research with Curtis Averyhttps://bemaadizijigganoonindwaa.podbean.com/e/mooz-symposium-part-2-mooz-research-with-curtis-avery/
 

Anishinabek Nation Circle Process with Leanna Farr

Anishinabek families that are involved or at-risk of becoming involved in child protection matters can access support through the Anishinabek Nation Circle Process, a culturally-based, voluntary, child-centered, confidential circle, providing Anishinabek First Nation families with the support needed to create a plan that addresses child and youth well-being issues. This service is coordinated through Koganaawsawin, the central coordinating body of the Anishinabek Child, Youth, and Family Well-Being System. Leanna Farr, in-house legal counsel with the Anishinabek Nation, explains how the Circle Process is meant to be a safe space and an alternative to mainstream courts and dispute resolution processes. Developed with the guidance of the Anishinabek Nation Child Well-Being Working Group, the Circle Process guiding principles and in-depth training are strongly rooted in our Anishinaabe culture.This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation. Music: “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers, and “Just Us” by Wolf Saga and David R. Maracle, licensed by Nagamo Publishing. “Easy Lemon” by Kevin MacLeod. Click here to download the transcript: 
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/27y8j5qugcixweab/Ep21_Circle_Process_Farr_Transcript_FINAL_2025-03-24.pdf
Links and Resources: Koganaawsawin – Anishinabek Nation Circle Process https://www.koganaawsawin.ca/circleprocessAnishinabek Child Well-Being Lawhttps://www.koganaawsawin.ca/childwellbeinglaw
Koganaawsawin – Child Well-Being Working Group
https://www.koganaawsawin.ca/cwbwg
An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families https://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/f-11.73/index.html
Koganaawsawin podcast series: Advocating for Anishinabek Children and Youth - Duke Peltier, Anishinabek Nation Children’s Commissionerhttps://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-fw6tb-176d4aeKoganaawsawin with Stan Cloud, Director of Social Development and Koganaawsawin https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-va3m6-16e11ca
 

Kidney Health in Beausoleil First Nation

In 2024, Beausoleil First Nation opened their very own dialysis unit, named Anwaatin Nbi (Calming Waters).  Since Beausoleil is only accessible by ferry, having dialysis available in the community reduces travel and treatment time for each visit from up to eight hours, to just three hours.Deborah Laramey, Director of the Beausoleil Family Health Centre, says that obtaining an important service such as dialysis is possible for other First Nations. She also discusses how community health outcomes can be impacted by housing, food security and high transportation costs. Nephrologist and researcher Dr. Scott Brimble explains how health care teams need to take the time to learn about a First Nations’ community context and gain trust in order to provide culturally safe care. This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.
Music: “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers, and “A Very Warm Welcome” by Justin Delorme, licensed by Nagamo Publishing.Click here to download the transcript: 
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/6yuh4q7ungatd7r5/Ep20_Kidney_Health_Beausoleil_2025-02-28.pdf
Links and Resources: Beausoleil Family Health Centrehttp://www.bfhc.ca/The Kidney Foundation of Canada https://kidney.ca/Ontario Renal Networkhttps://www.ontariorenalnetwork.ca/
 

Decolonizing Mental Health and Addictions Care with Dr. Rennie Linklater

How can mental health providers and addictions services ensure culturally safe care? Dr. Rennie Linklater shares some of the ways that Shkaabe Makwa, a Centre for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Wellness at CAMH, the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health in Toronto, grounds their work in spiritual, psychological and cultural safety to support Indigenous people on their healing journey.
 
Rennie Linklater, PhD, is the Senior Director of Shkaabe Makwa. Rennie describes Shkaabe Makwa's main service areas in patient care, workforce development, training, research, and strategic initiatives at CAMH. Rennie also describes the importance of relationships with the local Indigenous community, and supporting their staff in strengthening their cultural grounding.
 
Rennie Linklater is a member of Rainy River First Nations in northwestern Ontario. Rennie has twenty-five years’ experience working with Indigenous healing agencies and First Nation communities. Her passion has brought her to work across the health and education sectors as a front-line worker, program evaluator, curriculum developer, educator/trainer, and researcher. She is an international speaker on trauma and healing and the author of "Decolonizing Trauma Work: Indigenous Stories and Strategies." 
This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation. Music: “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers, and “Falling Forward” by Justin Delorme, licensed by Nagamo Publishing.Click here to download the transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/g37je6ksyfvq4a25/EP19_Transcript_Linklater_FINAL_2025-02-10.pdf
Links: Shkaabe Makwa: https://www.camh.ca/en/driving-change/shkaabe-makwa
Decolonizing Trauma Work: Indigenous Stories and Strategies: https://fernwoodpublishing.ca/book/decolonizing-trauma-work
Connected in Creation: A Collection of Lived Experience through Cultural Expression:  https://www.camh.ca/en/driving-change/shkaabe-makwa/-/media/files/shkaabe-makwa-connected-in-creation-anthology-pdf.pdf
 

Mooz Symposium Part 2: Mooz research with Curtis Avery

Curtis Avery, Manager of the Nipissing First Nation Environment Department, describes the Moose research in their territory. Also: hear the Moose Calling Competition held at the Moose Symposium in September 2024!
Curtis shares how the NFN Environment Department is using data collected through satellite imagery, remote sensors, a weather station and trail cameras, as well as on-the-ground surveys, water sampling and fecal pellet counts, to assess the state of the Moose population and the ecosystems within Nipissing First Nation territory, Lake Nipissing and the surrounding administrative area.
A highlight of the Anishinabek Nation Mooz Maawanjiding (Moose Symposium) was the moose calling competition. Experienced harvesters showed off their skills in three categories: longest call, funniest call, and best call. The calls were specific to moose behavior, such as a cow calling a calf or interactions between cows and bulls.
Curtis Avery is a proud member of Nipissing First Nation and also has roots in M'Chigeeng First Nation. Curtis has focused on enhancing the symbiotic relationship between humans and the environment throughout his career. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology and Technology. He has worked as a Fisheries Biologist for the Anishinabek/Ontario Fisheries Resource Centre and has served as a Lands and Resource Coordinator for the Anishinabek Nation. As the Environment Manager for Nipissing First Nation, Curtis is dedicated to addressing environmental and regulatory challenges, and ensuring the community's adaptability and resilience amidst ongoing environmental changes.
This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.
Music: “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers, “For Eddie” by Don Ross, and “Highway” by Justin Delorme, licensed by Nagamo Publishing.Click here to download the transcript. 
Links and Resources:Mooz symposium part 1: Traditional mooz harvesting and climate change Nipissing First Nation Environment Department Anishinabek Nation Mooz Maawanjiding – Moose Symposium panel provides insights on adapting to changes in the moose – Anishinabek Nation Moose co-management a priority at Anishinabek Nation Mooz Maawanjiding—Moose Symposium – Anishinabek Nation Factors that affect moose survival – ON Ministry of Natural ResourcesVideo: Moose Calling Competition Anishinabek Nation | Here Moosey, Moosey, Moosey 🫎
Video: Moose Calling Competition https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3898137557084000